In Georgia, there are protections relative to equine events or equine activities. For instance, if you are an equine professional and someone rides your horses for an event, there is an understood risk. According to the Georgia government, statutes can protect people like you in case of equine activity related injuries, however, it is not that cut and dry.
This statute protects many organized activities. The key to understanding this statute is to understand what it means to take part in an equine activity. The person who suffers an injury has to be a participant. Equine activity refers to the following and more:
- Competitions
- Fairs
- Performances
- Parades
- Boarding
- Medical treatment
A professional is someone who engages for compensation as an instructor, renter or veterinarian. In addition, to be a sponsor, you are someone who sponsors or organizes and has facilities for equine activities.
When working with horses, there are inherent risks. There are dangers and conditions that professionals and those who work with horses are aware of and the statute seeks to protect against lawsuits claiming damages for a horse behaving as horses may.
The statute does not cover certain damages. For instance, if your horse escapes and injures another person, then you are liable for those damages. After all, the individual injured did not participate in an equine event. If an observer of an event suffers a bite, kick or other injury due to your horse, then you also are liable. Anyone who is not a part of an event, whether it is a parade or training, can hold you personally liable for injuries.
None of the above is to be read as legal advice. It is for educational purposes only.